Microsoft confirmed that it will make their free security software suite Security Essentials, which has been in development for almost a year, available free to all general public.

Microsoft seem really want to make sure that Windows PCs are secure and malware-free. Because if they aren't, it reflects badly on the company that many blame for the problem in the first place. Microsoft has released security software over the past few years. There are (were?) the Windows Firewall and Windows Defender, and for a long time there has been Windows Live OneCare. But the subscription-based OneCare is no more, and in its place is a free alternative that was first mooted last year under the codename Morro.

According to reports, the beta version of Security Essentials has received very positive reviews.

I downloaded it last night, and during installation (on Windows XP SP3 under Parallels Desktop for Mac), it asked me to remove another anti-virus (AVG-Free).
I turn off the AVG-Free to continue the installation.

You should never have more than one anti-virus program running simultaneously, or they conflict, and cause problems.
Turning off AVG isn't enough. You'll need to uninstall it if you want to continue using MSSE in that VM of Windows XP.

The warning message displayed in the MSSE installer summed up the potential for problems perfectly.

Both AVG and MSSE have real-time protection engines that run in the background. Having both run at the same time on
the same Windows installation is unwise, as they will definitely cause conflicts, and possibility system stability issues.

For Windows XP, if you live in United States, you can get Security Essentials and Microsoft Windows Theme Nunavut. As well as free trials and savings on select MSN Games.

For those of us in Australia, the only benefit is Security Essentials.

Back to the topic of two anti-virus running.
I re-launched the Windows XP on Parallels Desktop for Mac, the real time/background scanner/protection on AVG Free and Security Essentials are running at the same time. And Windows XP is still running fine or far. I will report more if anything happens.
(Of course, I don't use the Windows XP seriously.)

Does anyone have any observations, comments or experience on the SpyNet aspects, specifically on data that are sent to Microsoft, including possible personal data?
http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/privacy.aspxSee under the Resources tab, the 2nd and 5th red paragraphs.
Also a large section on Microsoft SpyNet about 55% down the page.

Spynet is not something new. Giant used to have its users send in data to make it easier for them to identify malware. Counterspy does this, Norton does this and I'm sure there are at least a dozen or so other spyware companies asking its users to opt into this. Certainly Microsoft which has been accused of so many violations would not be trying to illegally or unscrupulously gather information for its own advantages in this day and age. It seems to me that MS has done us all a very good turn with the release of this product.

PaulD wrote:Does anyone have any observations, comments or experience on the SpyNet aspects, specifically on data that are sent to Microsoft, including possible personal data?http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/privacy.aspxSee under the Resources tab, the 2nd and 5th red paragraphs. Also a large section on Microsoft SpyNet about 55% down the page.

Thank you for pointing this out, Paul.

[quote="Microsoft"]When we need information that personally identifies you or allows us to contact you, we will explicitly ask you for it. In the case of Microsoft SpyNet, by accepting this privacy statement, you agree to send reports to Microsoft (see below). The personal information that we collect from you will be used by Microsoft and its controlled subsidiaries and affiliates to provide the service(s) or carry out the transaction(s) you have requested or authorized ...